Amy Williams Dr.Yow Essay 2 A Beautiful Thing Lucy Grealy, in her essay “Mirrors”, gives an awesome portrayal of how our external being, as seen by others, shapes and influences our own feelings of inner worth. The author breaks down the true definition of individuality, pointing out that “individualism” is really nothing more than the way society perceives us. For example, when Lucy was young, her family and doctors rewarded her good behavior (i.e. …showed first 75 words of 573 total…

…showed last 75 words of 573 total…however, is never found in another person’s actions (which are beyond are control) but it is found in our personal reaction to any situation. In the end, Lucy does have a procedure that seems to enhance her social reception. However, it is not some surgery that generates an outward public acceptance; it is her self-realization of the invaluable, incomparable self-love that she finds deep within herself, and that my friend is a beautiful thing.